Digital Interactions in Developing Countries

An Economic Perspective

Business & Finance, Economics, Economic Development, Industries & Professions, Industries
Cover of the book Digital Interactions in Developing Countries by Jeffrey James, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jeffrey James ISBN: 9781136238451
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: January 4, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Jeffrey James
ISBN: 9781136238451
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: January 4, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Jeffrey James is one of the relatively few academics to have systematically taken on the topic of IT and development. In this timely book he undertakes a methodological critique of prominent topics in the debate.

Challenging the existing literature by international and governmental institutions, the book looks not only at the digital divide but also at issues such as digital preparedness, leapfrogging and low-cost computers. James also raises important issues which have been largely neglected in the literature, such as the implications for poverty in developing countries and the macroeconomics of mobile phones.

The book argues that benefits from IT are captured in a different form in developing as opposed to developed countries. In the latter, gains come from technology ownership and use, whereas in the former, benefits cannot be captured as much in this way because ownership is more limited. Interestingly, the author shows that developing countries have responded to this distinction with a series of local innovations which are often low-cost and pro-poor. This finding contradicts the widely held view that poor countries are unable to generate major innovations within their own borders.

Accessible and clearly written, this book will be of great interest to scholars of development economics and development studies, and is relevant to both policy-makers and academics.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Jeffrey James is one of the relatively few academics to have systematically taken on the topic of IT and development. In this timely book he undertakes a methodological critique of prominent topics in the debate.

Challenging the existing literature by international and governmental institutions, the book looks not only at the digital divide but also at issues such as digital preparedness, leapfrogging and low-cost computers. James also raises important issues which have been largely neglected in the literature, such as the implications for poverty in developing countries and the macroeconomics of mobile phones.

The book argues that benefits from IT are captured in a different form in developing as opposed to developed countries. In the latter, gains come from technology ownership and use, whereas in the former, benefits cannot be captured as much in this way because ownership is more limited. Interestingly, the author shows that developing countries have responded to this distinction with a series of local innovations which are often low-cost and pro-poor. This finding contradicts the widely held view that poor countries are unable to generate major innovations within their own borders.

Accessible and clearly written, this book will be of great interest to scholars of development economics and development studies, and is relevant to both policy-makers and academics.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Sorrows of Mattidia by Jeffrey James
Cover of the book Managing the Modern Workplace by Jeffrey James
Cover of the book Political Corruption in Comparative Perspective by Jeffrey James
Cover of the book Aggression in Organizations by Jeffrey James
Cover of the book The Philosophy of Descartes by Jeffrey James
Cover of the book Transitional Justice and Reconciliation by Jeffrey James
Cover of the book Practice Issues in Sexuality and Learning Disabilities by Jeffrey James
Cover of the book Sex, Gender and Sexuality in Renaissance Italy by Jeffrey James
Cover of the book The Making of Modern Georgia, 1918-2012 by Jeffrey James
Cover of the book Context and Cognition by Jeffrey James
Cover of the book Marginal Spaces by Jeffrey James
Cover of the book War and Society Volume 2 by Jeffrey James
Cover of the book Conflict in Urban Development by Jeffrey James
Cover of the book Mental Health Services for Adults with Intellectual Disability by Jeffrey James
Cover of the book Phonics for Pupils with Special Educational Needs Book 4: Sound by Sound Part 2 by Jeffrey James
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy